Blong Technology Center

Serious Skills 

Blong Technology Center (BTC) is our hub for training skilled workforce, and home to several credit and non-credit career programs, including engineering technology, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, truck driving, and welding. 

BTC is also a resource for employers. Send your employees here to upskill or re-skill, and the training can be customized to fit your exact needs. We offer all of this as part of our commitment to the community. 

Directory

Electronics Lab – 563-441-4384

Learning Lab – 563-441-4375

Machine Shop – 563-441-4378

Welding Lab – 563-441-4399

Ben Kettering

Ben Kettering, Engineering Tech Instructor

bkettering@eicc.edu
563-441-4380



Brad McConnell

Brad McConnell, Digital Modeling Instructor

bemcconnell@eicc.edu
563-441-4369

Brandy Poston

Brandy Poston, Advanced Manufacturing Program Manager

bposton@eicc.edu
563-441-4377



Cory Otto

Cory Otto, PM Engineering Tech Instructor

cotto22137@live.eicc.edu
563-441-4384



Craig Nelson

Craig Nelson, Eng Tech/Renew Energy Instructor

cnelson@eicc.edu
563-441-4392



Dusty Rhodes

Dusty Rhodes, PM Welding Instructor

ddrhodes@eicc.edu
563-441-4399



Greg Robb

Greg Robb, PM CNC Instructor

gjrobb@eicc.edu
563-441-4364



Jeff Rose

Jeff Rose, Asst Project Director Advanced Mfg

jdrose@eicc.edu
563-441-4370



Jennifer Hathaway

Jennifer Hathaway, EHS Facilitator

jhhathaway@eicc.edu
563-441-4084



Kasey Allen

Kasey Allen

kcfisher@eicc.edu
563-441-4388

Blong Technology Center Office 101A
Advises CNC, Engineering Technology, Supply Chain/Logistics, Welding

Schedule an appointment with Kasey


Matt Schmit

Matt Schmit, Dean of Applied Programs and Distant Campuses

mschmit@eicc.edu
563-441-4125



Megan Edens

Megan Edens, Welding Instructor

mredens@eicc.edu
563-441-4393



Michael J. Clark

Michael J. Clark, CNC Instructor

mjclark@eicc.edu
563-441-4364



Mohsen Assadi

Mohsen Assadi, Industrial Training

massadi@eicc.edu
563-441-4186



Shannon Ross

Shannon Ross, CDL Lead Trainer

saross@eicc.edu
563-441-4358



Susan Lammers

Susan Lammers, Supply Chain & Logistics Instructor

slammers@eicc.edu
563-441-4362



Tom Monroe

Tom Monroe, Truck Driving Program Manager

wmonroe@eicc.edu
563-441-4217

Tour the BTC 

Dane Kimmins, The College Tour

Welding a Way Forward

Danea Kimmins
2023 Graduate
Fundamental Welding, Certificate

 

 

Learn in the Right Space

The state-of-the-art BTC supports the economic future of Eastern Iowa manufacturers. Holding classrooms, computer labs, and several labs for high-tech manufacturing training, our workforce is ready for the 4.0 future.

Hands-on Learning in a Manufacturing Hub 

Since the BTC first opened, the surrounding area has become a popular location for business and industry. We're in the heart of the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center, and its easy access to Interstate 80 has lured some big neighbors, including Sterilite, Kraft Heinz, and PCT.

Our labs and training equipment rival modern manufacturing plants. You learn on the same equipment, using the same techniques, you'll use on the job. Our instructors have years of on-the-job expertise in their fields and maintain close ties to local employers.

To put it simply, we're connected to business, industry, and the community. That's why so many employers recruit our students and turn to us for their training needs. 

You Can Study… 

  • CAD & Pro/ENGINEER 
  • CNC Machining 
  • Electromechanical Control Systems 
  • Engineering Technology 
  • Industrial Welding 
  • Technical Studies 

You Can Earn… 

  • Associate in Applied Science Degrees 
  • Certificates of Completion 
  • One-Year Diplomas (32-45 Credits) 
  • Short-Term Certificates (Less than 30 Credits) 

Employee Training: One Size Doesn’t Fit All 

Sometimes you need employees trained in a specific or new skill, and want it catered to your business. Turn to EICC. We work with individual businesses to meet their specific training needs at a site — and a time — that best suits them. 

Interested in customized training? Here are our three steps: 

  1. Visit with one of our staff members to discuss your exact needs. 
  2. Work with us on a training plan — one that encompasses training goals, the information to be covered, the number of training hours required, and a timeline for when it’ll take place. (At this point, you may discover we already have the class you need, but, if not, we’ll develop a program that meets your needs.) 
  3. We’ll deliver the training at your worksite or at one of our convenient locations. Employers often choose to let us host the trainings due to our equipment and lack of workplace distractions, but we may need to train employees on specific equipment at your location. 

We offer training programs in the following subjects: 

  • Business 
  • Computers 
  • Health & Safety 
  • Leadership & Supervision 
  • Logistics  
  • Manufacturing Technology 
  • Renewable Energy 
  • Soft Skills 
  • Supply Chain Management 

We also offer fully online career certificate programs that range from four weeks to 18 months in duration. These programs range from Accounting Fundamentals to Search Engine Marketing. 

If we don’t currently offer a training program for your specific needs, we’ll work with you to develop it. 

Male apprentice wearing yellow hard hat smiling at worksite

Financial Assistance to Achieve Your Goals

BTC staff can help you find funds for your education or employee training program. We can tell you about Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, GAP tuition assistance, grants, and state economic development funding.

Male student wearing safety gear with cnc machine

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

It’d be impossible to accomplish the BTC mission without partners such as local manufacturers DuPont, Nichols Aluminum, JDDW, North Star Steel, Litton Industries, IPSCO, Packaging Technologies, and Sears Manufacturing. They are invested in the future of Eastern Iowa and helping us develop the greatest talent for our region.